The 60-second version of the Maltese: what they're like, what they need, and whether one would suit your home — written for Australian owners.
Maltese at a glance
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Breed group | Toy |
| Weight | 3–4 kg |
| Lifespan | 12–15 years |
| Energy | Low to moderate |
| Coat | Long, silky, pure white single coat |
| Grooming | Daily brushing if long; regular clips |
| Shedding | Very low |
| Good with kids | Better with gentle, older kids — tiny |
| Puppy price (AU) | $1,500–$3,000 |
| Insurance (AU) | ~$40–$70/month |
Living with a Maltese in Australia
The Maltese has been the companion of nobility since ancient Greece — and the résumé shows: devoted, gentle and perpetually puppyish. The flowing white coat is non-shedding (good for allergy-aware homes) but demands daily care or regular clipping. They’re braver than they look, yappier than you’d hope, and wonderfully long-lived. For Australian apartment dwellers wanting an ancient, elegant companion, the Maltese has outlasted every trend for three millennia.
Health watch-outs
A long-lived breed with the toy watch-list:
- Dental disease — the toy-breed standard; daily brushing.
- Luxating patellas and liver shunts — screened by careful breeders.
- Tear staining — cosmetic but constant; daily face wipes help.
Budget at a glance
- Puppy price: typically $1,500–$3,000 from a registered breeder — much lower offers are often scams.
- Insurance: around $40–$70/month — see our pet insurance cost guide for what shapes premiums.
- Grooming and dental care are the recurring costs.
Is a Maltese right for you?
Great fit if you… ✅
- Allergy-aware households wanting a tiny companion
- Apartment dwellers and downsizers
- Owners wanting a long-lived little shadow
Think twice if… ⚠️
- The white coat shows everything — grooming is real
- Fragile — not for rough-and-tumble homes
Keep exploring
🍖 Best food: See our dog food picks — chosen for Australian conditions and budgets
🛡️ Insurance: What pet insurance costs in Australia — breed-by-breed premium guidance